Bkk Post - Chamber checks relocatio

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Subject: Bkk Post - Chamber checks relocation of factories to Myawaddy

Bangkok Post - Sep 2, 1999.
BURMA
Chamber checks relocation of factories to Myawaddy
Local businessmen seek clarification

Achara Ashyagachat

The Thai Chamber of Commerce has sought confirmation from Burma over
relocation of labour-intensive garment factories from Tak to Myawaddy.

Niyom Wairatpanij, chairman of the chamber committee on border trade,
yesterday led a delegation of senior officials from the commerce, industry,
foreign and labour ministries to discuss the matter with Hla Maung, the
Burmese ambassador.

The Burmese ambassador was quoted as saying his country is supportive of the
move to boost border economic relations, according to Mr Niyom.

Tak is home to nearly 30,000 Burmese who work in more than 100 garment
factories. They are among the nearly one million Burmese migrants in
Thailand, who turned illegal following the Aug 4 deadline unless granted ad
hoc permits for certain industries.

"The private sector believes Rangoon supports the plan to set up a special
economic zone in Myawaddy. Now Thai entrepreneurs need to know for certain,"
a commerce official said.

The envoy said Rangoon would invite Thai officials and businessmen for
talks, officials said.

The 10,000-rai economic zone site is 5km from Myawaddy but Thai businessmen
still need assurance of safety and infrastructure there and a clarification
from Thai agencies about the legal aspects involving re-exports.